The report explains the review so far, what the steering group has heard and how it will continue to work over the coming months. It does not yet make recommendations, which will be informed by further engagement including the workshop in a box events, many VODG members are hosting.
Responding to the interim report, Dr Rhidian Hughes, Chief Executive of the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) says:
'We welcome the publication of the Timms Review Interim Report as an important first step towards creating a Personal Independence Payment system that works for disabled people, rather than against them.
'It is significant that the Review recognises the current system is not fit for purpose, something disabled people and disability organisations have been saying for years. While PIP is a vital source of support, too many people experience the assessment process as stressful, dehumanising and disconnected from the reality of living with a disability or long-term health condition. The commitment to co-produce reform with disabled people is particularly encouraging and must remain at the heart of the next phase of the Review.
'For many disabled people, PIP is far more than a benefit. It helps cover the extra costs of disability and enables people to live independently, participate in their communities, stay connected to family and friends, and, for many, remain in or move towards employment. Any future reforms must strengthen that choice and independence and recognise the diversity of disabled people's lives, including people with fluctuating, invisible and complex conditions.
‘VODG and our members will continue to engage with the review and hope the final recommendations deliver a simpler and fairer system that people can trust, one that reduces unnecessary reassessments, makes better use of existing evidence, and treats disabled people with dignity and respect throughout the process.’
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VODG works as part of the Disability Benefits Consortium on welfare reform and policy changes. The DBC statement on the interim report can be found here: https://disabilitybenefitsconsortium.com/2026/07/09/dbc-comment-on-the-timms-pip-review-interim-report/